Tips for Dressing in the Second Trimester

If you're wondering where I've been or what has happened to this blog in the last couple weeks, let me tell you... the last month of pregnancy is rough. You have very little energy and a long to-do list to get ready for baby. You have aches and pains that just aren't fun and sleeping becomes your favorite activity. So the reason I haven't blogged in almost two weeks is because... hello almost full-term pregnancy! 

With that said, I really wanted to get this post out about dressing your bump in the second trimester. See my tips for dressing in the first trimester here. 

Throughout my pregnancy, I have often been told how the second trimester is the best part of pregnancy... and I have to agree! If you are in your second trimester, enjoy this time! It goes fast and this is the time you will feel great throughout your pregnancy. Enjoy these tips for dressing and feeling your best during this time. 

1. Buy some pregnancy leggings. During pregnancy, anything with a stretchy waist becomes your best friend. I was able to wear regular leggings for a while, but once your waistband starts getting too tight on your growing belly, you will want to be comfortable in leggings made specifically for mamas. I love Old Navy's maternity leggings and Pink Blush Maternity's leggings. I'm sure there are tons of great leggings out there, but these are the ones I tried and I loved them!

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2. Invest in maternity jeans! I don't know why, but maternity jeans are kind of intimidating until you try them. So many women will put off getting them (myself included) and I don't know why. I wore my jeans with a belly band for the longest time and when that became uncomfortable, I graduated to maternity jeans. And let me tell you, the difference was amazing! Maternity jeans are so comfortable on your growing bump- I recommend getting them as soon as your jeans become snug. There are tons of brands out there, but my favorite jeans are from Pink Blush Maternity. They are so comfortable, stretchy, and the full panel waistbands will grow with your bump throughout your pregnancy. I do recommend sizing up with any maternity jeans, as you are are a little bigger with a bump! 

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3. You do not need an entire maternity wardrobe! Okay hear me out on this one, but you do not need a completely new maternity wardrobe. You are pregnant for 9 months and you will probably only wear maternity clothes for 5-6 of those months. I'm not saying don't buy any maternity clothes, but you don't need to break the bank in the process. If you see a non-maternity item you like, try it on in a size up! You never know if it may work. Plus then you may be able to wear it post-pregnancy and save money! 

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4. One word: Stretch. Clothes that are stretchy are your best friends while you're pregnant. Whether it's pants, dresses, or shirts- they're all great. I absolutely love cotton v-necks during pregnancy. If you size up, you can wear them in the second and possibly the third trimester as well. They are great for layering and mixing with different outfits! I also love stretchy shift dresses. They will stretch over your bump and keep you comfortable. 

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5. Show off your bump! My last tip is to show what you've got! Pregnancy goes by fast and you have to work so hard growing that baby! So you might as well look good while doing so and show everyone how cute your bump is. Open cardigans and kimonos are great for this. So are belts that are worn above the bump. Or my personal favorite- I love wearing a skirt or dress with a shirt tied right above the bump! 

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There you have it! My 5 top tips for dressing in the second trimester. If you're a growing mama, what are you tips for dressing the bump?

See more of my bump style on instagram!

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Tips for Wearing Denim on Denim

Pregnant or not, when I'm looking for an outfit that is stylish and comfortable, denim on denim is something I often fall back on. Some people may steer away from mixing denim on denim because you know, a Canadian tuxedo isn't the cutest thing ever. However, wearing two types of denim does not have to equal a fashion faux pas... no one wants that. 

Scroll through to see my best tips on wearing denim on denim!

Target chambray top (sold out online, similar options below) | Pink Blush Maternity jeans c/o | Mindy Mae's Market flats (sold out, similar options below) | Aldo purse (several years old, similar option here)

1. Make sure that your denims have a lot of contrast and are visibly different colors. I usually go for dark wash jeans and a light denim/chambray top! 

2. Make sure your denim top fits correctly. This seems like a no-brainer, but there is nothing worse than a structured top that is too small. I always size up in these tops because they look much more put together when they are a little loose, than too tight. 

3. Pick the right shoes. When creating this type of look, the denim is obviously the focal point of the outfit, but your shoes are important too! You can denim on denim with flats, ankle boots, or sandals for a casual look or heels for a more dressed up look! 

How would you wear denim on denim? 

PS I've had a lot of questions about where I like to buy my chambray tops when pregnant and not pregnant. This top is actually oversized and I'm wearing a medium so it works even though it isn't maternity. If you are expecting though, I've linked up some great maternity tops below. My favorite places to buy non-chambray tops are from Target, Old Navy, Gap, J.Crew, Forever 21, and H&M. You can also check out the options below, if you're interested!

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3 Ways to Style a Lace Dress

Photo credit: Justine Lenee Photography

I'm a big fan of anything lace and this pink lace dress from Pink Blush Maternity is no exception. Over the years I've bought many different lace dresses (I just can't stay away from them) and I love how wearable and versatile they are! This particular dress is a maternity dress, but you don't have to look very far to find a lace dress that fits your style if you aren't pregnant. There are multiple silhouettes available, check the links at the bottom of the post for more info if you're in the market for one! Because lace dresses are so versatile and a great staple for your closet, today I want to show you three simple ways to style a lace dress for spring. 

And if you are currently pregnant, be sure to check out Pink Blush Maternity because they have the best maternity clothes!

1. Dressed-Up

I love having a go-to item anytime I need to dress up. Whether it's for church or a special occasion, a lace dress is always a great item to grab from your closet. The thing about lace fabric is that it looks dressy all on it's own and it's very easy to style. I wore it with a nude cross-body and heels to keep it simply, but classy. This Sparkle & Gem statement necklace also added the perfect bit of glam. And if you're going for an extremely dressy look, you can always add a structured blazer or jacket!

Pink Blush Maternity dress c/o | Nine West crossbody via TJ Maxx, similar from Nine West | Target nude pumps | Aldo handbag, similar here 

2. Dressed Down 

As much as I love dressing up, I'm a casual girl through and through. Lace dresses make the perfect daytime attire, when paired with the right accessories. With a light cardigan, some fun sandals, and my go-to white spring handbag, it was the perfect outfit for being out and about running errands. BTW, I love the crochet detailing on this cardigan! I love the contrast of textures it creates. 

Pink Blush Maternity dress c/o | TJ Maxx cardigan (a few years old) similar here | Target sandals (these are the infamous glitter sandals that sell out every year!) | Aldo handbag (old) similar option here

3. Layered 

I love adding layers to an outfit because it adds dimension, texture, and of course warmth- when needed. A basic chambray is the perfect item to layer over a lace dress in the spring and it adds a bit of color! For some added texture, add your favorite leather wedges and you've got the perfect layered outfit for spring!

Pink Blush Maternity dress c/o | H&M chambray (old), similar here | Target wedges (old), similar here | Aldo handbag, similar here 

How would you wear a lace dress? Thanks so much for reading and shop options below if you're interested! 

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Cobalt & Pink Gingham

Dark blues and light pinks go so well together, especially in the spring time. I tied this gingham shirt right above my baby bump, because I love making my bump the focal point of my outfit. I always feel much less frumpy and much more stylish when I take that approach. You can also use this tying method when not pregnant, and it makes for a really cute outfit because the center of your outfit is pulled from the hips and up to the waist. 

I wore this outfit to church last week and I just can't not wear heels to church. I feel so weird wearing flats when dressing up- maybe that's just my own issue? I've always had a hard time wearing heels with maxi skirts, but if you keep them neutral and simple, it totally works. 

This maxi skirt is the softest material and I know it's something I'll continue to wear post pregnancy. It's only $6.00... yes you read that right! You really can't beat that price for a skirt! You can purchase it on instagram @shopwholesale23, where Dani Leigh Apparel posts many discounted items. 

pink gingham: very old, options here and here | Dana Leigh Apparel maxi skirt c/o | Target heels (sold out, almost identical here for less than $30!) | Sole Society bag | Sparkle & Gem necklace | Sparkle & Gem bracelets here and here

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Floral Kimono

A floral kimono is one thing that every girl needs in her closet. They come in so many fun prints, they're light and flowy, and they can be worn with so many different pieces. I paired this Pink Blush kimono with a black dress, but I also love wearing it with jeans and t-shirts for a very casual look. 

Also, if you're sporting a baby bump like I am, this is definitely an item I'll be able to keep wearing after pregnancy. 

On another note, my husband kept calling this a 'komodo' every time I wore it and I had to break it to him that it was in fact called a kimono... 

If you're looking for an affordable kimono for yourself, check out Pink Blush's fab options or see my picks below!

Target maternity dress, similar non-maternity dress here | Pink Blush Maternity kimono c/o | Volcom sandals | Sparkle & Gem necklace | Sparkle & Gem bracelets here and here | similar bag here and here

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